Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has acknowledged the threat posed by Malawi but insists Ghana are prepared for a difficult battle in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final.
Ghana will face Malawi on Sunday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with both teams fighting for a place in the last four of the continental competition.
Speaking to the media on Saturday ahead of the crucial encounter, the Swedish tactician singled out Malawi’s prolific Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, as major threats to his team.
Björkegren described the sisters as “world-class” and expects Malawi to provide a stern test for the Black Queens.
“Malawi have two players up front who are world-class [Chawinga Sisters], so it’ll be tough for us,” he said.
Despite the challenge awaiting his side, the Ghana coach expressed confidence in the progress made by the Black Queens since the start of the tournament.
“But we also believe in ourselves, and we think we’ve improved since the tournament started,” Bjorkegren added.
Ghana secured their place in the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D following a 1-1 draw with Mali in their final group game.
The Black Queens will now look to build on that performance and secure a place in the semi-finals, which would also have major significance for the team’s World Cup ambitions.
Victory over Malawi would see Ghana qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, ending a long wait for a return to the global showpiece.
The Black Queens will therefore have extra motivation when they take on the Malawians, with a semi-final place and a World Cup ticket at stake.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT on Sunday.
